Rice to declare for NFL draft

NEWARK, N.J. - Ray Rice will skip his senior year to enter the NFL draft after becoming the leading rusher in Rutgers history and transforming the Scarlet Knights into a Top 25 team.

"I have always dreamed of playing in the NFL, and I felt the time is right to pursue the opportunity to play at the next level," he said in a statement Tuesday.

His decision came three days after he ran for 280 yard and scored four touchdowns in a 52-30 victory over Ball State in the International Bowl.

In his three seasons, the Scarlet Knights were 26-12 after failing to finish above .500 in the 12 previous seasons.

 Auburn: Auburn defensive tackle Pat Sims said Tuesday he will skip his senior season to enter the NFL draft.

Sims was a first-team All-Southeastern Conference pick this season after making 11.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 quarterback sacks.

"This was something that I carefully thought about and felt it was in my best interest to pass on my senior season at Auburn and make myself eligible for the NFL Draft," Sims said. "It's always been a dream of mine to play at the next level and I believe this is the right time to pursue that goal."

Sims was one of the Tigers' most high-profile recruits in 2004 but was redshirted and then didn't see any action in 2005.

As a junior, he emerged as a key part of an Auburn defense that finished sixth nationally in scoring and total defense.